Gene Technology Regulation and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)

Diverse risks arise from the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment, including possible environmental and socio-economic impacts. Not all risks are addressed by the national GMO regulatory regime created by the Gene Technology Act 2000 (Cth). Some risks, namely socio-economic impacts, are instead addressed by recently introduced State moratorium legislation. Yet others, in particular some environmental concerns, are assessed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) but only if the operation of that Act is triggered. This article considers the interaction of the regulation of agricultural GMO releases by the Gene Technology Act 2000 (Cth), State moratorium legislation and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)